In an attempt to save face after an allegedly racist ad caused an international controversy, H&M has created a new position: Global Leader for Diversity and Inclusiveness.
The person who will hold that position is current Global Manager for Employee Relations Annie Wu.
So, how will this new position make sure nothing like the “coolest monkey in the jungle” ad happens again? H&M declined to explain to CNNMoney what the responsibilities of the job would be.
Instead, the company issued this statement:
“The recent incident was entirely unintentional, but it demonstrates so clearly how big our responsibility is as a global brand. We have reached out, around the world, inside and outside H&M to get feedback. Our commitment to addressing diversity and inclusiveness is genuine, therefore have appointed a global leader, in this area, to drive our work forward. There will be more from us soon.”
After the ad was condemned and taken down, the boy featured in the ad and his mother were reportedly forced to move because of what the mother called “security concerns.”
Part of those security concerns may be tied to violent protests that took place at H&M stores in Johannesburg, South Africa, over the weekend.
The protests were organized by the Economic Freedom Fighters’ party in response to the ad, and police had to use rubber bullets to disperse them.
